20 Great Gifts for Boys Who Love to Tinker

Fledgling geniuses deserve gifts that match their geeky interests. With everything from puzzles and robots to model trains and DIY experiments, the educational toy market is bound to have something for the science-minded boys in your life. Here are 20 of our favorite toys and kits.

Named a 2019 Construction Toy of the Year, the 116-piece gear set from Learning Resources introduces young engineers to basic building skills. They can follow instructions to create pre-designed configurations, or have the freedom to make up their own.

The Hot Wheels TechMods Accelo Gt provides analog and digital fun, combining the timeless appeal of building a vehicle by hand with the flash and spark of smart technology. Once construction is complete, take the car for a spin with the free phone app’s many challenges.

Another build-your-own vehicle to take for a spin. With a wireless remote control, the TIA 2019 Construction Toy of the Year finalist uses rechargeable battery-operated turbo motors to speed across the floor.

Handy for your next family camping trip or backyard bonfire, Marshmallow Roasting Sticks turn s’more making into an art, with extendable tongs for increased safety. Easy to clean, the roasting sticks can be used to prep hot dogs, too.

Designed just for kids, the Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock makes for the perfect nap spot inside or out. Hung with ropes and carabiners, the hammock promises a sturdy hold and simple setup. Bonus: It’s made with the same hardy nylon used for skydivers’ parachutes.

Look up at the stars with the Gskyer Telescope. Its maximum magnification of 120x, plus smartphone adapter and wireless camera remote to capture photographs of the sky up close, it’s got user-friendly features in an affordable package.

Amateur bird-watchers will appreciate the crisp view of animals in motion these binoculars from Wingspan Optics offer. That capability makes them just as useful for seeing the action up close at sporting events and concerts.

Learn about solar energy conduction and test the power of the sun with the Thames & Kosmos Solar Mechanics Kit. The 60-page booklet offers design instructions for 20 models including vehicles, windmills, and robots.

A longtime favorite, Traffic Jam continues to challenge kids and adults alike by tasking you with maneuvering your way out of a series of increasingly tight spots. It’s great for long road trips and seemingly endless wait times, like when you’re actually stuck in traffic.

Get your lab coats ready and set up your microscope. This kit from National Geographic includes everything you need to observe the life cycles of tiny sea creatures, including 10 prepared slides, a petri dish, an eye dropper, a tweezer, and more.

Enjoy the roller coaster without the motion sickness. Once your track is complete, go for a whirl using the phone app and virtual reality headset. Step-by-step instructions make construction frustration-free.

They may be too young to get a license, but they can still drive this dune buggy across the lawn and in the driveway. Battery-powered and supporting up to 120 pounds, it’s good for years of fast-paced fun. Don’t worry, there’s a seatbelt.

A fully functioning movie projector with a motor and hand generator, the 3D wooden puzzle kit comes with a 58-frame reel of Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times. Follow the instructions for simple construction, or test your logic and knowledge of mechanics by building the model blind.

Every musician needs a fallback, and there’s no better way to introduce your budding pianist to an alternative career path with the Code Piano. Practice C++ skills through sound-based exercises, no prior coding experience necessary.

STEM education meets classic Lego building blocks in this 847-piece kit. In addition to the standard robot, kids can make a programmable cat, guitar, Lego builder, and tank complete with a spring-loaded shooter.

With just a 15-minute construction time, the mBot Robot Kit makes learning to code commands easy and enjoyable. Add-on packs allow for upgrades and personalization.

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